How Ronald Koeman has rejuvenated Ross Barkley at Everton

Judging by his start to 2017, this could be the year which Ross Barkley lives up to the promise he displayed as a teenager.

After starring in his breakthrough campaign at Everton in 2013-14, Barkley was compared to the likes of Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne as England’s ‘next big thing’.

Both Barkley and Everton’s progress stalled over the past two seasons, but after a tough start to this term, during which he was told in no uncertain terms by Ronald Koeman that he needed to improve, the midfielder is now excelling once more for the Toffees.

Still only 23, since the turn of the year Barkley ranks second for both chances created and assists in the Premier League.

With Gareth Southgate set to name his next England squad on Thursday, Barkley is well placed to return to the international fold – as the following video shows, Koeman’s tough love has worked wonders on the talented Toffee.